The NFL playoffs have begun and we’ll see the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8). Both teams had a rough season end, making this NFC Wild Card game even more exciting. Let’s delve into some AI-powered projections generated by Heavy Sports, in collaboration with Quarter 4, and explore what this game may hold.
Key Takeaways:
• The Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card game.
• The game predictions are based on projections from an AI model by Heavy Sports and Quarter 4.
• Analysts predict a tough night for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with potential dominance from Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis.
• The AI model indicates that the Eagles could win by nearly a touchdown.
• The critical Wild Card game happens on Monday, January 15.
Persevering Hurts to Continue to Struggle?
Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ QB, who was briefly mentioned in the MVP conversation in the first half of the season, is likely to have another tough game. Over Philadelphia’s last six matches, Hurts managed to gather only 1,161 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He was sacked seven games, and our model forecasts this trend could continue.
According to the AI-powered model, Hurts is predicted to complete 16.1 passes for 175.2 yards to yield a touchdown. It’s worth noting that the Buccaneers boast the seventh-ranked passing defense, and the model predicts they will regulate Hurts below his season average in the primary statistical categories.
Carlton Davis to Outshine?
Carlton Davis, the Buccaneers’ cornerback, already sports a Super Bowl ring and has the potential for a dominating performance against the Eagles. With the Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith nursing an ankle injury and A.J Brown’s availability uncertain due to a knee injury, Davis might be set to have a significant game.
The model projects Davis to achieve 4.3 total tackles, including 3.4 solo tackles and 0.9 pass breakups. Considering his regular season record of 49 total tackles and two interceptions, this prediction implies a surpass of his average in every statistical category.
Nicholas Morrow’s Promising Postseason Debut
Linebacker Nicholas Morrow is projected to have a significant impact against the Buccaneers, after being inactive in Week 18 versus the Giants. Morrow wrapped up the regular season with 95 total tackles and three sacks.
The Wild Card game has the model predicting Morrow accomplishing 7.5 total tackles, 5 solo tackles, and .7 pass breakups. If he reaches these predicted totals, he would outdo his season average.
Mayfield’s Future Bright in Tampa Bay?
Baker Mayfield, who earned his spot in the NFL Comeback Player of The Year conversation in 2023, faces an uncertain future in Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, a robust playoff victory performance against the Eagles could convince the Buccaneers’ front office about his potential.
Against the Eagles’ 31st ranked passing defense, the model predicts Mayfield to complete 23.4 passes for 270.6 yards, yielding 2 touchdowns with an impressive 68.6% completion rate. Mayfield concluded the season passing for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions — our model suggests he might surpass his season average.
A Win for The Eagles by Nearly a Touchdown?
Despite a shaky season’s end, the model predicts Eagles could win by full six points, differing from seven major sportsbooks pegging the Eagles as three-point favorites. This Wild Card game is a rematch of the Eagles’ Week 3 victory over the Buccaneers. Sports enthusiasts will be on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome.
Source: [Heavy Sports]